Entertainment IndustryJob Opening for Public Safety Reporter in Gannett (Fayetteville, NC 28306)

Our current portfolio of media assets includes USA TODAY, local media organizations in 46 states in the U.S., and Newsquest, a wholly owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom with more than 120 local news media brands. Gannett also owns the digital marketing services companies ReachLocal, Inc., UpCurve, Inc., and WordStream, Inc., which are marketed under the LOCALiQ brand, and runs the largest media-owned events business in the U.S., USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures.

To connect with us, visit www.gannett.com.

The Fayetteville Observer/fayobserver.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is seeking an ambitious reporter to cover public safety and courts.

We’re looking for a talented reporter who’s adept at covering breaking news and shooting video in the field while also having the skills to dig deeper to get at the story behind the first-day coverage.

We value top-notch journalism that makes a connection with readers. And we’ll give you the time and coaching to deliver high-impact stories our digital readers crave. Through the USA TODAY Network, we benefit from industry experts, sophisticated tools and training.

Fayetteville is the sixth-largest municipality in the state and is familiar to many as the home of the U.S. Army’s most populous military installation, Fort Bragg. The area around Fayetteville has a large and growing defense industry, with eight out of the ten top American defense contractors located within commuting distance as well as many supporting technology and service businesses populating the area. Fayetteville boasts a low unemployment rate and a large labor pool of trained professionals.

With an economy supported by more than 55,000 military personnel, Fayetteville ranks as one of the best retail markets in the country, and serves as the region’s hub for shopping, dining, lodging, healthcare, and entertainment. Fayetteville’s downtown reflects history and culture, with historical buildings, cobblestone sidewalks, and an eclectic array of shops, galleries, and eateries. Fayetteville is a highly livable city that has been named an All-American City three times by the National Civic League, and is noted for a great job market, affordable housing, and high per capita income growth.

Responsibilities:

Creates storytelling that accurately informs, entertains and engages specific audiences and platforms through the use of metrics.
Works toward becoming the community’s leading voice in area of expertise.
Connects with the community through storytelling.
Provides thoughtful analysis of complex issues.
Works with content coach and digital partners to evaluate what’s working and what’s not and develops ongoing plans to better satisfy audience needs.
Collaborates with photographers to provide all appropriate elements for stories. Captures basic photos and video as needed.
Promotes personal brand, the brands of colleagues and the institutional brand.
Provides great customer service, helping readers find answers and solutions.

Requirements:

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in communications, journalism or related field preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
2 years’ reporting experience, which could include freelancing, internships and college publication work.
Previous experience covering public safety preferred.
Adept at taking photos and video and will file quickly across platforms: mobile, desktop and social media.
Strong command of AP grammar and style.
Strong copy-editing skills and the ability to produce content that is clean, accurate and “publication ready.”
Is passionate and enthusiastic about news and content that will work well with audiences on social platforms.
Comfortable in fluid, fast-breaking, stressful situations.
A desire to grow and develop a key beat in our newsrooms.
Is comfortable using social media such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat to enhance reporting and promote stories.
Understands reporting ethics and sourcing.
Excels in a fast-paced news environment and understands the digital first mission.
Collaborates well with others and can work with a team on the biggest stories.
This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
Employment is contingent on passing a post-offer pre-employment background check and a motor vehicle record check & drug screen (for driving roles only).

We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don’t limit your upload to a resume; show us what you’ve done. To do so, put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order:

1. Your resume – one to two pages.

2. A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.

3. Links to 3-6 online samples of your work. Show us what you’ve produced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role.

It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration.

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Gannett Co., Inc. is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a diverse workforce. As such, we will consider all qualified applicants for employment and do not discriminate in connection with employment decisions on the basis of an applicant or employee’s race, color, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, marital status, personal appearance (including height and weight), sexual orientation, family responsibilities, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), education, genetic characteristics or information, political affiliation, military or veteran status or other classifications protected by applicable federal, state and local laws in the jurisdictions where Gannett employs employees. In addition, Gannett Co., Inc. will provide applicants who require a reasonable accommodation, as a result of an applicant’s disability or religion, to complete this employment application and/or any other process in connection with an individuals’ application for employment with Gannett Co., Inc. Applicants who require such accommodation should contact Gannett Co., Inc.’s Recruitment Department at [email protected].